Written as both an examination of applied theory of grapegrowing and a handy manual for the working viticulturist, the Practical Field Guide to Grapegrowing and Vine Physiology serves as a necessary compliment to all the processes of modern viticulture in the variety of climates where grapes are grown.

Organized by growing cycles, the Field Guide gives detailed prescriptions for managing each season’s unique processes, such as

Winter

·       vine dormancy

·       root growth

·       canopy training

·       different root stocks

·       identifying various pathogens and bacteria

Spring

·       bud burst

·       flower cluster development

·       canopy construction

Summer

·       berry growth through verasion

·       respiration rate

·       water and nitrogen usage

·       phenolic metabolism

·       vigor control

·       irrigation and dry farming

Autumn

·       yield estimates

·       harvest

·       mechanical vs. hand harvesting

·       post-harvest vine management 

Also included are detailed studies on proper grapevine adaption to specific sites, and different agricultural systems, such as industrial, organic, sustainable and biodynamic.

“(The Field Guide’s) greatest value originates in its authors, each of whom deals with vineyard management in all seasons and a great range of terroirs and the physiological interpretation for each.”-- Mario Fregoni, Professor Emeritus of Viticulture,University of Piacenza and Honorary President of I.O.V. (International Organization du Vin)